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In what must be the cutest sale ever, the three animal shelters in Santa Barbara County are offering an adoption special on kittens. To help relieve the shelters, which are feeling the strain of having to care for over 300 kittens under the age of six months, the public can adopt two kittens for the price of one - $65. The special lasts through the end of June.

All of the kittens have current vaccinations and have been spayed or neutered. Most were hand-raised in foster homes and have already been well socialized. Animal Services representatives said there are many benefits to adopting kittens in pairs. For example, new kittens are less likely to chew on furniture or climb up drapes when they have a playmate. “Two kittens will play together until they tire out, resulting in less mischief,” a press release on the matter stated.

For those unacquainted with the veterinary world or the animal welfare sector, the months between March and November are the mating season for cats and are often referred to as “kitten season.” One mother cat can produce as many as 18 kittens in one season. As a result, the number of kittens during these months far exceeds the number of homes available to them.

In the heart of kitten season, animal services across the country recognize June as the national Adopt a Cat Month. Shelters have been honoring the month by already offering deals on cats older than six months. Adult cats adoptions are $10 off, while black and white cats are $20 off because they are generally overlooked for adoption. Newly adopted kittens or cats, as well as ones already owned as pets, can also be fitted with a microchip for a special low price of $10.

The three shelters in the county are located in Goleta, Lompoc, and Santa Maria, and are open for adoptions at 10 a.m. daily, Monday through Sunday.